rubber

1 of 2

noun (1)

rub·​ber ˈrə-bər How to pronounce rubber (audio)
1
a
: one that rubs
b
: an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
c
: something that prevents rubbing or chafing
2
[from its use in erasers]
a
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

b
: any of various synthetic rubberlike substances
c
: natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: such as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b(1)
: a rubber tire
(2)
: the set of tires on a vehicle
c
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
rubber adjective

rubber

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)
2
: an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie

Examples of rubber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Since then, Pruitt has delved into the limits of metals such as anodized titanium accented with stingray skin, rubber and industrial diamonds. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024 The playwright went in on the options, equipping his vehicle with private locks, rubber pedal pads, a hand throttle, heater, and side-facing jump seats in the back. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 The watch is water resistant and finished with a black calfskin leather and rubber strap. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Patagonia’s Worn Wear Patch Kit comes with four sticky patches that adhere to all kinds of outdoor fabrics, from nylon and vinyl to rubber and plastic. Abigail Wise, Outside Online, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rubber 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubber was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rubber

Cite this Entry

“Rubber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rubber

1 of 2 noun
rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər How to pronounce rubber (audio)
1
: something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
2
a
: an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants
b
: any of various synthetic substances like rubber
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
4
: condom
rubberlike
-ˌlīk
adjective
rubbery
ˈrəb-(ə-)rē
adjective

rubber

2 of 2 noun
1
: a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)
2
: an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie

Medical Definition

rubber

noun
rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər How to pronounce rubber (audio)
1
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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